Do You Feel the Burn?

Do you feel the burn? I asked students this question and to then draw me their best fire image. We then sat down for a class meeting with our fire images and discussed what it means to burn. Students talked about fire and friction.  We tested out what friction was and felt the heat of our hands on our faces.

Then we transitioned the conversation to when we burn other classmates with our words. Often times I hear students say, “I burned you.” Or “That was such a good burn.” It reminded me of when my friends would say something followed by just kidding or I got you good! I asked students to think about when we say the word burn in this manner or use words like just kidding are we actually being kind.

Going further we talked about why someone might laugh when they get “burned” by a peer with words. Students used vocabulary like sad, disappointed, angry, and nervous. Others told me they might not care or think the burn is really good. One student even told me confidence is the key to solving this problem. I asked if someone burns you is that person really a good friend? This gave them something to think about.

We decided we were going to put out the fire in here. We blew on our images and ripped them up, tossing them in the recycle bin. I then asked students how they could be part of the solution.  Several said they could ignore it, so I asked if this reaction helps the feelings go away. Others talked about talking to an adult or using the bothering box.

One student wrote, “Just walk away, but first call them out and tell them what is it like to be burned.” YES! Let the other person know what it feels like! Be Bold! Be Strong!  Another student shared, “I can tell the person that it was not funny and it can really get to someone. Some are more sensitive than others.” This is what having empathy is all about.

I did have some students tell me they could get a fire extinguisher.  I do hope the burning with words in this classroom is extinguished.